Abstract

Objective: Isolation and identification of larvicidal phytochemical from the plant Gliricidia sepium, which is commonly used for smouldering to repel mosquitoes. Methods: Larvicidal activity of petroleum ether, hexane, acetone, methanol and water extracts of Gliricidia sepium leaves were assayed for toxicity against 4th instar larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus. The larval mortality was observed after 24 h exposure. The crude petroleum ether extract was further purified by column chromatography and eluates were tested for larvicidal activity. Selected one was identified by spectral analysis. Result: In the present study, bioassay- guided fractionation of G.sepium leaf extract led to the separation and identification of 8,11,14- eicosatrienoic acid as a potential new mosquitolarvicidal compound with LC50 value 0.011 mg/ml and LC90 as 0.060 mg/ml against 4th instar larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus. GC-MS, FTIR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectral analysis confirmed the identification of active compound. Conclusion: This work could grab success in extricating ourselves by emanating a safe eco friendly solution from the plant Gliricidia sepium. As the source plant is ubiquitous in Kerala zone and the method of extraction is not any way cumbrous it may be easily manufactured and launched into the market for the effective application.

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